Emotions and anticipation were high at 7:30 A.M. on September 6 as the last wave of swimmers prepared to enter the lake at Fort Wilderness in Orlando. Our group of participants were fresh from their morning devotional and prayers. They exuded such excitement and a sense of purpose that the feeling was contagious.
As I mentioned in an earlier article, Christianity is meant to be lived out and expressed in every part of our lives. Since we are all so varied in our interests, we have an equal variety of ways to express and share our beliefs with others. Julie Craig, Linda Wheeler, Audrey O’Connell, and Jeannine Anderson have found another way that works for them.
They were first time participants in the recent Trekwomen triathlon at Disney World. The triathlon consisted of a ½ mile swim, 12 mile bike ride, and a 3.1 mile run. They discovered that participation in a test of physical endurance is not just an athletic experience, but a mental and spiritual one as well.
As we recorded the event in pictures, they explained how the training and preparation had been a vehicle for spiritual growth too. They were covered with the scriptures they found particularly strengthening to them, as well as names of those they were praying for. As they talked I began to see how a triathlon is in many ways a great analogy for the Christian race we run.
First of all it requires training and discipline. Every person has different strengths and weaknesses. For example, one person may be a strong swimmer, but struggle with running. We all have different strengths and weaknesses as Christians too. Just as a triathlete is required to improve on their weaknesses through practice and perseverance, we too must constantly strive to overcome our weaknesses.
In any race or test of endurance there are often obstacles that have to be overcome. For example, during the cycling portion of the triathlon Jeannine had a flat tire and had to ride on the flat until Audrey came along and stopped to pump it up for her. Then thanks to the help of a fellow Christian she was able to make better time. Unfortunately, the same tire needed further repair, and it quickly went flat again. She continued the race, but progress was slow and very difficult. Fortunately, a volunteer working the event finally came along and it was completely fixed. The important thing was that she didn’t give up.
In our Christian walk we will be faced with obstacles. It requires perseverance and faith not to quit the race in frustration. We are also responsible for coming alongside our fellow Christians when they face obstacles. We cannot get so caught up in our own race that we don’t notice and stop to help others who have some need along the way. Audrey O’Connell was focused on the finish line, but not so focused that she would miss the opportunity to stop and help her sister.
The final reason that I believe a triathlon is a great analogy for the Christian race we run is that for most of the participants it is less of a competition with others and more of a competition with themselves and their own past performance. It’s about improving themselves and most of all it’s about finishing.
Was it worth all the training and effort? The looks on their faces as they crossed the finish line told the story. For them it was worth that and more.
As Christians we know it’s all about the finish line, and our savior who is waiting for us there.